Stevenson's returning skill players a reason for confidence in 2018

Cole Okmin played in seven games this season and is in line to be Stevenson’s starting quarterback in 2018.

Cole Okmin played in seven games this season and is in line to be Stevenson’s starting quarterback in 2018. (Brian O'Mahoney/Lake County News-Sun)

Jakub RudnikPioneer Press

After falling to Hinsdale Central 33-21 in the first round of the Class 8A playoffs on Saturday, Stevenson football players weren't quite ready to think about next season.

But the young Patriots gained valuable experience, particularly on offense, that should serve them well in 2018.

That experience is particularly key for junior quarterback Cole Okmin, who played in seven games after entering the year second on the depth chart. Okmin completed 52.7 percent of his passes for 1,050 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions.

The Patriots said Okmin improved throughout the season.

"In the beginning, he took a back seat to the seniors, but by the end of the season he was one of our leaders," said sophomore running back Jean-Marc Etienne, a Buffalo Grove resident. "When we're not having our best practice, he's the type of guy who would motivate us.

"If we're maybe down in a game, he always has his head up and he's always motivating his teammates."

Behind Okmin, Etienne emerged as Stevenson's feature back in his first varsity season. He rushed for 884 yards and 10 touchdowns and is expected to be the workhorse again next fall.

"It's awesome having him back there. He makes guys miss on every single play. He's an unreal running back," said Okmin, a Lincolnshire resident. "He works tremendously hard, so I've got all the confidence in giving him the ball and him wearing down defenses, and he's only going to get better from here."

The Patriots are graduating their two top receiving threats in Alex Capstick and tight end Tyler Porzycki. Juniors Sam Farber and Ryan McElhinny will step into larger roles at wideout next season. McElhinny is the bigger downfield threat, while Farber has good hands and is a top target on shorter passes.

The Patriots (6-4) also bring back Ivan Gleyzer, their starting right tackle who transferred from Deerfield before the beginning of the school year. Guard Jeff Zuraitis and tackle Anand Batbaatar also played regularly this season.

Although the Patriots bowed out in the first round of the playoffs, they have plenty of confidence that 2018 could be a special year in Lincolnshire. They'll aim for the North Suburban Conference title in head coach Josh Hjorth's second season.

"It will just give us more confidence in everything we do," Okmin said of the returning players. "We'll know what varsity game play is like.

"Everyone's got stuff to work on. We just have to get better for next season."